The Board of Education trustees and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani met virtually during the March 25 business meeting. 

Dr. Giani told the trustees that he received inquiries regarding field trips and District meetings. Currently, all District meetings scheduled through April 1 have been canceled and all field trips scheduled through May 9 have been canceled or postponed. The District is exploring the possibility of rescheduling canceled District meetings once school closures have ended and is working with travel companies on trip refunds. In reference to the eighth grade trip to Philadelphia, those who purchased trip insurance will receive a full refund. The District is working with the travel company to refund individuals who did not purchase trip insurance. Disney has agreed to full refunds for the culinary trip. The airline has agreed to offering one-year vouchers, but the District has asked the airline for a refund.

During the superintendent’s report, Dr. Giani thanked all of the volunteers who have assisted with the meal program and the continuity of learning plan, especially those who have gone beyond their roles in this unprecedented time.

Originally, the Board of Education was to discuss staffing and whether to appropriate from the fund balance and stay within the allowable tax levy limit. However, this budget presentation will be delivered during the April 1 virtual meeting.

Dr. Giani gave the trustees an update on the Continuity of Learning plan, which can be accessed by clicking the icon on the District website. The remote learning plan is designed to keep students connected and engaged in learning while school is out. Dr. Giani noted that it is not intended to replace classroom instruction delivered by faculty. Moving forward, the District will continue to refine, modify and enhance the plan, its webpage and the available resources in response to feedback and to provide ease of use.

For families in need, the Grab-and-Go meal plan is fully operational at Bellport High School, Frank P. Long Intermediate School and Verne W. Critz Elementary School between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Those who are in self-quarantine or are having difficulty with transportation may call 631-730-1501 to request a home delivery. 

As per the State of New York, school districts are required to provide emergency childcare services to children of first responders and medical service personnel. The Board of Education District passed a resolution which allows the District to explore a partnership with SCOPE Education Services to provide the required childcare services.

Dr. Giani also discussed with the trustees the remaining school calendar schedule. Due to the District’s ability to utilize snow days and a fourth superintendent conference day, the calendar is unaffected if students were to return on April 1, as previously ordered. However, since Governor Andrew Cuomo has extended school closures until April 20,it is difficult to predict at this time how the calendar will be affected until further discussions by the Board of Education.    

At the close of the meeting, Board President Anne E. Hayes and the trustees complimented Dr. Giani on his leadership in time of an unprecedented closure of schools and sent best wishes for good health to the community.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held virtually on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. The community can access the meeting by logging onto the District website at www.southcountry.org and then accessing the Board of Education tab for Streamed BOE Meetings.